PAL 111 - Litigation 1

Credits: 3
3 Lecture Hours

Description
This course provides an introduction to the civil litigation process from initiation of a lawsuit through the discovery process. Key differences between civil and criminal proceedings are examined. Students develop a working knowledge of jurisdictional rules, pleadings, discovery procedures, and pre-trial motions. Emphasis is placed on the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the Federal Rules of Evidence and the paralegal’s role in assisting litigators with case development, evidence organization and document management throughout the various stages of litigation in both state and federal courts.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will:

Identify the distinguishing characteristics of civil and criminal litigation processes.
Explain the rules of procedure that govern civil lawsuits from the initiation of a claim through final judgment.
Illustrate the typical steps and procedures involved in civil litigation at the state and federal levels.
Describe the paralegal’s role and associated ethical responsibilities in assisting legal professionals throughout the litigation process.
Identify potential ethical issues that may arise during representation of clients and interactions with other legal professionals.

Listed Topics

Foundations of litigation, principles of civil procedure, ethical considerations, paralegal’s role
Pre-trial procedures, pleadings, joinder of parties
Discovery, interrogatories, requests for production, depositions, oral depositions, use of depositions at trial
Pretrial motions
Presentation of evidence
Ethics in civil litigation
Court structure, state court systems, federal court system
Paralegal functions in litigation support

Reference Materials
Textbook and materials as deemed appropriate by the instructor.

Students who successfully complete this course acquire general knowledge, skills and abilities that align with CCAC’s definition of an educated person. Specifically, this course fulfills these General Education Goals:

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Information Literacy

Approved By: Dr. Quintin B. Bullock Date Approved: 01/26/2024
Last Reviewed: 01/26/2024

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PAL 111 - Litigation 1